It has three categories namely: Near Infrared, the closest to visible light and has wavelengths from 0.7 to 1.3 microns; Mid-Infrared, the near-IR and mid-IR are commonly used by electronic devices such as remote controls, has wavelengths from 1.3 to 3 microns, and; the thermal infrared which occupies the most part of the infrared spectrum that has wavelengths of 3 microns to 30 microns.

The IR laser is invisible, at least to the human eye. But when used in combination with other gear, emitted IR radiation enhance night vision equipment view area through lightning up the front position with invisible to human eyes light and at the same time enhance light gathering capabilities of the equipment.

Infrared laser illuminators has been widely used by hunters, night time outdoor enthusiasts, law enforcement and military forces for target acquisition and additional artificial lightning when natural light is to low for night vision devices like night vision goggles, night vision monoculars or night vision rifle scopes. Although most of these devices has artificial IR sources build in, they are often are based on IR LED technology which for longer ranges are not so effective as highly concentrated laser diode light beam.

The surveillance industry also improving due to the innovation of infrared laser in the industry. Compared to IR LED based infrared illuminators, infrared laser diodes based infrared illuminators has far way wider ranges of illumination and cameras, whether surveillance or spy cams, can easily record scenes and places in the dark with more than enough illumination without actually spreading out perceivable light.

Various kinds of infrared laser modules are used for military only dedicated gear like laser guided weapons and propelled rockets. Almost any developing country has plans or already build some prototypes of high tech battlefield network systems with target acquisition and range finding, up to date battlefield information sharing and other important military tasks where infrared laser modules play their role for whole system function.

At present day night vision market has wide choices of possible infrared laser illuminators dedicated for civilian and military and law enforcement. Most popular models for civilian market are often 808nm IR diode based systems for better comparability with older Generation 1 and Generation 2 devices, while dedicated to LEO and military gear usually use 940nm wavelength based systems for more covert operation mode. Due high power emitted by this type of illuminators, most of devices has changeable power settings to avoid over exposure on shorter ranges.

Infrared light can make serious damage to your eyes, extreme caution must be considered and protective eye war used when work with any kind of laser equipment.

The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) recommended the following band classifications, namely: a) Near-Infrared (NIR, IR-A DIN): ranging from 0.75-1.4 μm, is typically used for fiber optics technology and night vision devices; b) Short-wavelength Infrared (SWIR, IR-B DIN): ranging from 1.4-3 μm, is apt for longer distances of telecommunications; c) Mid-wavelenght Infrared (MWIR, IR-C DIN): ranging from 3-8 μm, is used on guided missile technology, working on a 3-5 μm working window of control for seeking heat signatures on target subjects, particularly the jet engine exhaust plume; d) Long-wavelength Infrared (LWIR, IR-C DIN): ranging from 8-15 μm, is identified as the wavelength zone for thermal imaging; and e) Far Infrared (FIR): ranging from 15-1,000 μm, generally used for far-infrared lasers.

On night vision devices released in the market, the Gen 1 rely greatly on ambient lighting instead of infrared stretching from 780nm and 808nm LEDs, but they are large devices which make it difficult to mobilize. The Gen 2 showcases the improved image-intensifier tubes for brighter image resolution, which functions at around 850nm and above. Gen 3 devices uses the photocathode made from gallium arsenide, thus, further improving image quality and works around 940nm.

Because of its capability, IR LEDs had been used for security cameras, for low lighting condition needs. This technological innovation is useful for simple and complex surveillance system and operations, behavioral activities of the environment and people. Watching over from a distance, the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system is universally used, though the technology used varies from model and make. IR cameras are often connection to an analog or digital recording device, Internet Protocol (IP) network technology, and human physical monitoring.

Aside from structure or building surveillance which require a stable mount for the cameras, there were hand held IR cameras released for the sake of portability and mobilization, hence, making it lightweight and less bulky.

Many night vision devices employ infrared illuminators for further visual enhancing especially in low lighting conditions. This has proven to be functional among military operations such as recons and covert operations, as well as law enforcement missions. Its role is to provide proper illumination and acquisition of human and structural targets with varying levels of capacity. In some devices, the process starts from the conversion of ambient light photons into electrons which are further improved by chemical and electrical enhancements, then converted back to the visible light wavelength for human visuals.

The longer the wavelength means lesser visibility of the red glow according to the color spectrum. The red hue ranges around 400-484 THz or 620-750 nm while the infrared wavelength is around 100-430 THz or 700-1mm. This means that there infrared runs at the border of the red wavelength.

This technology somehow poses a health hazard to the eyes due to particular industrial high heat settings. Since infrared is “invisible” to human vision, Infrared protection eye gears should be worn at all times when dealing with this.

The heat vision goggles or other thermal imagery device collect these emitted images and let you see a detailed temperature graph image complete with sharp forms. Depending on heat vision device output display resolution, these images can be from just spooky white (or black, depending on your settings) spot till detailed image with smallest details available. It can be used to see objects underground even if there are not enough ambient light for standard nigh vision devices, no matter how advanced and what’s their ability of light amplifying – if there are no light, standard night vision is useless without additional infrared light source.

View trough thermal viewer

There are a lot of choices for various these innovative imaging technologies products for various needs, from handheld building insulation energy auditing, large stationary medical and astronomical applications, till permitted to military and law enforcement personnel only high resolution portable heat vision goggles and viewers. Most popular choices available for public are Thermal Eye x200xp Handheld series viewer. It is a portable thermal imaging goggles with an effective performance to price ratio. It is very popular with people seeking thermal viewer device with waterproof, shockproof, light-weight body and good optical ability – with Thermal Eye x200xp operator can easily detect human activity for up to 1500ft (450m).

Another great product from Thermal Eye series with relatively affordable entry level price and good characteristics are Thermal Eye x50 series pocket-sized thermal system. Though it may not be as powerful as the x200xp, it can still give a decent performance as expected of its cheaper price while having all rugged viewer features.

But if you want a more comprehensive and more powerful thermal solution, there are high-end FLIR Binocular Series, TIG Thermal Infrared Binocular-Goggle System. This heat vision goggles system are housed in well known and time proven PVS-7 night vision housing and is one of the most advanced thermal goggles available at market today. With coated milspec Germanium optics, meeting United States Department Of Defense mil specs, this is perfect solution for battlefield applications or situations when ruggedness and hands free system is a must. This versatile product can work at daytime along with little to no light conditions and offers more advantage over standard night-vision goggles for operator at their mission.

Take a note that most advanced devices are available only for military and law enforcement personnel and can’t be exported without license or written approval of the government is required.

The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) suggested a categorization of infrared radiation into the following bands: a) Near-Infrared, NIR / IR-A (700 nm to 1,400 nm or 0.7 μm to 1.4 μm; 215 THz to 430 THz); b) Short-Wavelength Infrared, SWIR / IR-B (1,400 nm to 3,00 nm or 1.4 μm to 3 μm; 100 THz to 215 THz); and c) Mid-Wavelength to Long-Wavelength MWIR / LWIR / IR-C (3,000 nm to 1mm or 3 μm to 1,000 μm; 300 GHz to 100 THz).

Night vision technology has proven its purpose, primarily, in military operations, hunting, nature and astronomical observations, law enforcement activities. Various night vision devices are used at low lighting conditions such as covert operations, search and rescue after serious accidents when response time mean life along with nature wildlife observation which usually is most active at dusk or even night time, when pressure from human beings are lowest possible and nature creatures can move stealthily.

So far, there are three main functions in the industrial set up or types of infrared illuminators that were identified being released in the market, namely, infrared laser illuminators, infrared led illuminators and infrared filters installed in front of “standard” light sources like spotlights and flashlights with visible to human eyes spectrum.

PEO PEQ 15 Infrared Laser Illuminator

Based on laser diode technology, infrared laser illuminators are most powerful from available for public as have ability throw very concentrated beam of light to far away distances while maintaining superb image quality on even low amount light amplification devices like Generation 1 and Generation 1+ (usually around x1000 on good Gen 1+ image intensifier). Infrared lasers are also often adapted for use in military, LEO and hunting application where tight beam of infrared light are used for target designation at night time. Combined devices with various functions like infrared illuminator and IR target designator in one are available for LEO and military personnel.

This type of illuminator can also be very harmful for the eyes if not properly dealt with, due to the concentration of light in the particular wavelength within which it normally functions.

Infrared led illuminators are used as standard source artificial light for most of night vision devices made for civilian market like night vision rifle scopes, night vision monoculars and binoculars, goggles and so on as infrared led provide relatively safe IR light source which is still useful at short to mid ranges without damaging night vision image intensifiers via excessive light.

Although led infrared light is more safe then IR laser diode, devices based on this technology still must be used with safety in mind as throwing excessive light in your eyes or night vision device can leave serious damage to both of them.

Infrared LED technology also are widely used in the electronics industry since it is the least expensive among the other types of infrared illuminator, which comes as a small, cheap and with a shorter range of luminance capacity. It is a semi-conductor source of light, used as indicator or display for devices. It is usually seen with the red or amber hue, though nowadays, it already covers almost the entire color wavelength. It is typically seen in a system of mobile and portable gadgets such as remote controls of appliances and equipments. They require moderate amount of power source such as through a solo or dual 1.5v battery package to function.

Infrared filters, which are also known as infrared cut-off filters, were designed to absorb visible light and the other wavelengths except for the mid-infrared range. This is commonly installed in front of various halogen or other incandescent light bulbs and used as artificial light source for older type of night vision devices (usually Generation 0 or Generation 1 like German made Ferro 51 or Soviet PPN-2 night vision) for multiplying low light.

Although light from infrared illuminators are not fully visible for humans and animals, continuous such light exposure to eyes can cause serious and permanent damage including blindness, thus, proper handling is needed for equipments with infrared illuminators installed.

Security systems are enhanced using an infrared security camera. Though the normal camera would be nice with enough light from other sources, a sly burglar could easily unscrew the light bulb without getting caught on film and bypass the security system. Or, he can also wait for the right chance—when the light burns out. For this reason is the Infrared Security Camera created—to see beyond thick darkness and capture that burglar on film.

Infrared Security Camera

There are two types of infrared security cameras that you can pick from: the Indoor and Outdoor IR light enabled security cams. Indoor cameras are cameras that can’t work outside because of the lowered tolerance to weather and infrared light tracking. These are inexpensive cameras and are easy to place anywhere inside your house, while capturing a clear video. But when put outside, it can be easily broken by the wind, bumping it on any surface can lead to distortions in the film, and placing it facing reflective surfaces will do you no good.

But if you want rugged, but extensive infrared cameras, the outdoor types are the best for you. These are weather-adapted, high quality infrared cameras that allow you to film videos in very low lights and allow you to see black and white in utter darkness. They are the most versatile cameras that you can situate in any hard or easy corner outside your house, but this quality does not come affordably.

There are also different kinds of illuminators that you have to choose from. Choosing the right type of illuminator as accessory for your infrared security cameras is the most effective way to get the most out of your money as these determine how clearly it can film scenes and images in areas it is customized for.

Diode type IR illuminators are the smallest and cheapest type, designed for short-range illumination. Lamps on the other hand are more expensive to operate and maintain, but operates at greater distances and is powerful enough to identify faces. IR lasers can cover the most range out of all the types and is used by the military professionals as these are harmful to the eye if not handled correctly, but can deliver the best image clarity even in bad weather. Infrared cameras generally range fro $100 to $200 dollars with more extensive and high quality cameras reaching more than $250.

There are different colors in white light and this spectrum is reflected by objects that let your eyes see its color. The visible light spectrum lists down all the visible colors that your eye can perceive in which violet is ranks highest (or most visible) and red is the lowest. Below the red light spectrum lays the Infrared Light Spectrum that is invisible to the human eye. But through innovative equipment, it is possible to collect and organize these infrared lights into something that the human mind can understand.

There are three main kinds of Infrared Lights, the Near Infrared, Mid Infrared and Thermal Infrared light. The thermal infrared light occupies the most part of the infrared spectrum having a wavelength range of 3 to over 30 microns. The key difference between visible light and infrared light is that the latter is emitted by objects and living creatures instead of reflecting it like the former. This is due to activities in atomic levels. Thermal Imaging is centered in collecting the infrared light and using this information to display a detailed temperature pattern (which means you will only see what parts are cool or hot and not the actual texture or features of the object being seen) called a Thermogram.

Thermographic Camera (photy by Etan J. Tal)

Using special lenses and infrared-detector elements, you can use Thermal Imaging cameras for a number of things. One of its most well-known uses is for night vision equipments. A Thermal Camera can detect heat emitted by human bodies which makes it very useful to determine what is moving around in the dark. As it detects heat, it is also used by a wide variety of medical equipment to pinpoint the source of infection in human bodies that leads to a fever. It will also help in the maintenance and surveillance of machines to see what parts overheat and what the machines’ weaknesses are. Likewise, you can also use it to find hidden objects lying around or even underground. It is commonly used by police officers to find hidden drug labs underground by finding which area fits the heat range commonly found in laboratories or to find buried bodies or evidences in crime scenes.

The most popular brands in the Infrared Technology are Fluke and FLIR Systems. They provide some of the most user-friendly and comprehensive IR technology to capture full radiometric infrared images. They combine durability with quality to produce one of the best IR-products available for public at present time.

Compared to nocturnal and several other animals, humans have poor night vision because of a certain layer of tissue in his eyes called the “tapetum lucidum”. It is the part of the visual organ which reflects visible light back through the retina part, which allows the photoreceptors to recognize an increase in light available, thus, improving the bearer’s vision in low-light conditions.

PVS-14 Military Night Vision

This technology is widely used in tactical operations of the military, as well as police law enforcement missions and tactical entries. It enables them to perform such operations during the night when the targets are left disadvantageous in terms of visual due to a low light conditioned environment. This also allows them to increase the success rate of the mission in a discreet manner, thus, decreasing the risk of casualties.

The following list of night vision devices are already the top of the line released in the market today:

D-740 Generation 2+ Mil. Spec. Advanced Rifle Scope – lightweight and recoil-resistant housed in waterproof casing, high-grade multi-coated optics with guaranteed zero retention on high caliber weapons.

D-740 Generation 2+ Super High-Performance Advanced Rifle Scope – A Gen2 priced rifle scope with performance rated close to a Gen3.

D-740 Generation 3 Pinnacle Advanced Rifle Scope – the Pinnacle Image Intensifier Tube Technology allows the user to still able to see through sudden exposure to light which other devices makes the user temporarily blinded.

D-740 Generation 3 Select Alpha Advanced Rifle Scope – referred as the best rifle scope there is due to achieving optimized performance requirements.

D-760 Generation 2 Mil. Spec. Advance Rifle Scope – offers an upgrade of the D-740 Gen2 in terms of zoom range.

D-760 Generation 2 Super High-Performance Advanced Rifle Scope – offers a performance close to a Gen3 but still with the price of a Gen2.

D-760 Generation 2 Pinnacle Advanced Rifle Scope – an upgrade in zooming feature plus the inclusion of the Pinnacle Image Intensifier Tube Technology.

D-760 Generation 2 Select Alpha Advanced Rifle Scope – has one of the best performance with an advantage on zoom and detection range.

D-830 2.5-10×56 Generation 3 Advanced Day/Night System – a device that can be used both in day and nighttime through an additional eyepiece for such conversion and less the hassle of mount-dismount.

D-300 Generation 2+ Multi-Purpose Monocular – a hands-free mono-goggle / hand-held spotting scope used through day and night and a high-performance device at a low price.

D-300 Generation 2+ Mil. Spec. Multi-Purpose Monocular – is a slight upgrade of its predecessor.

MiNi-14 Generation 3 Pinnacle Advanced Multi-Purpose System – one of the most versatile, high-performing scope with the Pinnacle Image Intensifier Tube Technology.

MiNi-14 Generation 3 Select Alpha Advanced Multi-Purpose System – developed as an alternative to the AN/PVS-14. It functions at a depth of around 60 feet.

AN/PVS-14 Single Battery Generation 3 Alpha Multi-Purpose System – has the Automatic Brightness Control and Bright Light Protection with manual adjust.

ITT Night Enforcer PVS-14 With Autogated Pinnacle Tube – lightweight device equipped with the Pinnacle Image Intensifier Tube Technology mountable to a camera.

Raptor 4X Night Vision Rifle Scope (M644) – a weapon sight that can identify a target at around 1,857 at a quarter moonlit night.

Raptor 6X Night Vision Rifle Scope (M646) – is the big brother of M644 with an upgrade on magnification.

L3 M845 Generation 2HP 1.5X Compact Rifle Scope – is specifically designed for quick target acquisition and engagement.

L3 M845 Generation 2HP Mk II 2.8X Compact Rifle Scope – holds an upgrade on magnification and selective range of focus.

The price primarily depends on the advancements and modifications of technologies to suit every possible scenario of its usage. Gen1 rely on ambient light with an image intensifier of 1000x. Gen2 improved the light amplification up to 20,000x, as well as image resolution. Gen3 improved its light amplification to around 30,000-50,000x. Upgrades were also done on the components of the photo cathode.

This technology has been largely utilized by firefighters to locate the central part of the fire, to search for missing persons in a pile of large debris, or to see through thick smoke. This tool was also used during the 2009 pandemic phenomenon, due to the infamous outbreak of the swine flu virus.

The military force made a good use of this technology in their operations, especially covert ones. It was also used to see through thick smoke during war encounters for a better and advantageous visibility of their environment. They tend to base their tactical plans according to the read that they would be getting from the thermal imaging camera. Through this, soldiers assigned behind their weapon with thermal rifle scope can see a real time movement of their targets. This thermal weapon sight, or thermal rifle scope as it is commonly called, is become an essential accessory of today modern warfare armament and most and more guns like assault and sniper rifles, light and sub-machine guns which are already issued to troops has this high tech add-on installed on them as it allows them to obtain a good enough visual of their target through sight hindrances such as the ones already mentioned above.

Thermal Scope View (by Arno / Coen)

Thermal Acquisition Monocular (TAM-14), a lightweight, quick-rail and rugged designed, with a head, helmet or weapon mounting options and extended battery life of up to 4 hours of continuous use.

Thermal Imaging Weapon Sight (TWS-37), which has a digital zoom control of up to 2x to 4x , with a Black Hot/White hot polarity switch and a GSCI Propietary 3-stage Contrast Enhancement Feature for better imaging. This was made from aircraft aluminum body which covers its strength and durability, and at the same time, being fully-sealed for waterproofing.

Thermal Imaging Monocular (TIM-14) is a higher version of the TAM-14. Additions to its features are the multi-use system design, shutter less and soundless internal movements, and even a lesser power consumption of up to 5 hours of continuous use.

Thermal Imaging Goggle (TIG-7) is a binocular-type version of the TIM-14, though lighter in weight and can stay longer with continuous use of up to 10 hours.

Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS-37) High Resolution 640×480 is an upgrade of the older TWS-37. It has a higher resolution than its predecessor as it carries an F.P.A. Sensor Format of 640×480, in comparison to the 320×240 resolution of the former. It also has longer range coverage.

Thermal Imaging Binoculars (TIB-5E) is another binocular-type with a longer focal range and digital zoom than the TIG-7. It has a lesser continuous battery operation of up to 7 hours though.

“Clip On” Thermal Imaging Scope (CTS-22) is designed for daytime rifle. It last up to 3 hours of continuous use.

Head Mounted Display (HMD-640) is a 3.3”x2.3”x2” display that can be connected to any aforementioned thermal imaging devices that has analog video output.

There is a low supply of thermal devices released, hence, the price range benchmarks at around $6,000 each. Any upgrade on the specifications requires more effort and funding in several aspects than the normal camera since it is identified as one new technology.

Thermal imaging cameras have to general classification, characteristically: those with cooled infrared image detectors installed in the unit, while others have the uncooled infrared image detectors.

Most cooled detectors function at around 60 to 100 Kelvin range in comparison to the usual operating temperatures of 4 Kelvin to the normal room temperature. Therefore, without the cooling feature, a typical thermal imaging device will be blinded or will only see everything heated up due to their infrared radiation emission. Cooled thermal imaging cameras grants better image quality compared to uncooled versions. With this added feature, the camera would experience delays on cooling down before it could be used. Further, the device would also require extra energy and the design suffers from being bulky, thus, making it more expensive that the uncooled versions.

On the other hand, uncooled thermal imaging cameras function well in ambient temperature environment from a normal room temperature to around 4 Kelvin. An increase in temperature causes unavoidable noise on the image quality which only requires stabilization in order to reduce the distortion. Given that it is smaller and less expensive, the resolution and image quality is compromised.

Infrared imaging (picture by Passivhaus Institut)

This technology was originally invented to be utilized by military personnel during the Korean war circa 1950-53, though; it was slowly applied to other line of work such as law enforcement, further military operations, search and rescue, medical testing diagnosis, firefighting among many others.

In law enforcement, tactical operations and entry rely greatly on this technology because they need better assurance that their work plan is close enough to the success that they desire for the operation. This is also vital on fugitive chase and apprehension

Firefighters and field medics also depend on the capability of the thermal imaging camera to locate first the victim in a pile of debris before taking the risk of letting somebody proceed with a wild goose chase in between large rocks. They are also able to determine a base of a fire which saved them from making the job risky than it used to be. Search and rescue made good use of this technology to locate missing subjects and saved them time from doing random guesses.

Medical personnel, among the many professions, also benefited from the breakthrough by making energy audit and body heat loss determination of patients. They were already able to determine at an earlier stage the necessary treatments that the patient have according to the data that the thermal imaging camera gathered.

Thermal imaging camera has the upside against the night vision technology in the sense that the former can still function properly with the least to no available light in the environment of the subject; whereas, the night vision needs an ample amount of light source to enable it to get a visual on its subject and its environment. This is one major difference of the two devices used on almost the same purpose.

The company that started developing these first military tools was named AEG, or Allgemeine Elektricitats-Gesellaschaft or literally meaning General Electric Company which is a company manufacturing electric equipment. The manufacture of infrared nigh-vision devices started in 1936 and was finished with a prototype infrared scope by mid 1939 for use with 37 mm Pak 35/36 L/45 anti-tank guns. And by the autumn of 1942, another unit was constructed complete with headlamps and viewers for 75mm PaK 40 L/46 anti-tank guns, which was also mounted on the Marder II.

Soldier in Vietnam with PVS-2

There are also very popular sniper gun models that are based on this technology: The Vampir, The PPN-2 Night Vision Scope, The Snooperscope Infrared M2 on T3 carbine, Sniperscope Infrared 20,000 volt set No.1 on M3 carbine, and the AN/PAS-4 Weaponsight Infrared telescope Assembly used on M14 Rifle.

The Vampir was the first rifle to use an infrared scope weighing at 13.5 lbs. It is an active infrared weapon that is operating in the lighter infrared spectrum rather than heat based, producing black and white images which is more than enough for experienced snipers to plant a head shot.

Soviet made PPN-2 active IR scope on the other hand is a night vision scope that is intended to be used on PK, PKT, and PKM weapons. It includes a head lamp to produce some IR light which you can mount on the scope itself or on the remote battery box.

The other three rifles and IR-scope combinations were more improved versions of scopes, literally making them telescopes packed with Infrared illumination. This makes the snipers more effective in hitting their prey as they can cover a wide range to about 200 yards.

There are two main categories of infrared devices, the active and passive. Active infrared devices do not have ability multiply low light by themselves and have infrared illumination devices like spotlights with infrared filters or dedicated devises with IR LED’s or IR lasers with light spectrum range of 700-1000nm that is just below the visible light spectrum.

Passive infrared devices or night vision devices on the other hand uses image intensifier units which has various low light multiplying ranges starting as low as just several thousands and exceeding 80’000x on image intensifier cascade systems where each next image intensifier multiply light of previous one.